Definitions

tutelage

[toot-l-ij, tyoot-] / ˈtut l ɪdʒ, ˈtyut- /

NOUN

guardianship; teaching

Synonyms

STRONGEST

guidance

STRONG

apprenticeship care coaching custody drilling education instruction lesson preparation protection schooling supervision training

WEAK

tutoring

Antonyms

STRONG

ignorance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for tutelage?

The word tutelage can refer to teaching (in a formal educational setting), instruction (in a context other than school), or guidance (more generally). If you say that you’re under someone’s tutelage, you could mean that that person is your teacher, your tutor, your mentor, or the person showing you how things are done in some setting, like a new job. Tutelage typically implies some form of teaching or instruction, regardless of whether it’s in an academic setting.

Is tutelage a common word?

Tutelage isn’t all that commonly used in general, but it’s not uncommon to hear it in some settings. It can sound a bit old-fashioned, especially when compared to synonyms like tutoring or instruction.

What's the difference between tutelage and tutoring?

Tutoring most commonly refers to one-on-one teaching that’s academic but outside of the classroom, such as with a private after-school tutor. Tutelage can be used to mean the same thing. For example, if you have a physics tutor, you could think of yourself as being under their tutelage. But tutelage is much more broad and can be used in other ways that tutoring usually isn’t, such as to refer to in-classroom teaching or non-academic instruction. Tutoring often (though not always) involves additional instruction on a subject that one needs help with. The word tutelage, on the other hand, often implies that the teaching being done is the primary form of instruction.

How do you use tutelage in a sentence?

Tutelage can be used in many different contexts, including academic and nonacademic ones. It’s commonly used in the phrase under (someone’s) tutelage. Here are some examples of tutelage in a sentence:

Under his mother’s tutelage, John became a master mechanic.
Thanks to your tutelage, I am now a qualified barista.
Thousands of students who have passed through these halls over the years have had the privilege of being under the tutelage of Mr. Carter.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These dramatize Günter’s contentious but rewarding tutelage under Freud and his erratic marriage to one of Freud’s patients, a Jewish woman named Josine.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Liverpool are encouraged by Iraola's ability at Bournemouth to get the best out of new signings and youngsters, with Alex Scott, Rayan, Junior Kroupi and Adrian Truffert brought on under his tutelage.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

His more recent “research” appears to consist of reading studies under the tutelage of “leading experts” whom he calls his “mentors” or “gurus.”

From Slate • Feb. 26, 2026

He produced hip-hop tracks, wrote the score for an off-Broadway play attended by Quincy Jones, and came under Jones’ tutelage.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

What my father aspired to be and what Allah had destined for him was nurtured chiefly by the fertile tutelage of his parents while his family was still together and thriving as a unit.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey

tutelage

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Vocabulary lists containing tutelage

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

100 SAT Words Beginning with "T"

The Importance of Being Earnest

tutelage

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing tutelage

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

100 SAT Words Beginning with "T"

The Importance of Being Earnest